LIAT 2020 to acquire its first aircraft soon

Antigua and Barbuda: The Antigua based airlines LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport)2020 will soon acquire its first aircraft.  

Considerably, there is a requirement for the arrangements to purchase the former fleet of LIAT 1974 from the CDB (Caribbean Development Bank). It is necessary, if the new airline is to gain approval for an Air Operators License from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority.

At the time of the operational cease of LIAT 1974, it came forward that the Shareholder Governments of LIAT 1974 Ltd had agreed to sell the aircraft to LIAT 2020. However, the sale had been delayed due to operational concerns at the Caribbean Development Bank. Earlier, even it was mentioned that the Air Peace will be the major shareholder in LIAT 2020.

LIAT 1974 Ltd gave its final flight departure on January 22, 2024. With its final departure, V.C International Airport marked the end of an era in Caribbean Aviation. 

With the information of the operational cease of LIAT 1974, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne announced the launch of LIAT 2020 on January 6, 2024. This announcement was made during the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM.

During the Browne and Browne show, the Prime Minister even highlighted that aircraft for LIAT 2020 will be purchased at commercial prices. Even during Covid 19, LIAT was going from a major downfall as there was no arrival and departure of passengers through this. But LIAT 1974 resumed flying operations in November 2020

Probing ahead, the people are so curiously waiting for the start of LIAT 2020 which is so evident from the expressions of the general public. One of the citizens added that “ Let’s go, we need LIAT in the skies again.”

However, the delay in the launch has prompted questions from the public, with one individual asking “No mention of Air Peace with the purchase. Does LIAT 2020 have the Caribbean Aviation License yet?”